Do you have crooked teeth or a bite problem that needs an orthodontic solution?
Fuller Dental is your local oral health resource for the long-term care of your smile. We offer orthodontic options for teens and adults, including SureSmile® clear aligners. SureSmile® is an Invisalign alternative that can straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably using the latest technology and treatment techniques.
Clear aligners have become a trusted and effective orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate concerns, offering patients unique benefits over metal braces.
What is Sure Smile®?
SureSmile® is a clear aligner system that corrects orthodontic concerns. Dr. Fuller and our team at Fuller Dental may recommend Sure Smile® to treat crooked teeth, overcrowding of teeth, and bite problems such as an overbite. SureSmile® can deliver exceptional and lasting results with less discomfort and inconvenience when compared to traditional methods.
Using a set of custom-made, clear aligners, SureSmile® will gradually realign and reposition the teeth according to your unique treatment plan. The aligners will fit over the teeth much like a mouthguard and are made of a high-tech, more effective material for longer periods. For patients, this means fewer aligner changes and improved overall comfort. Like all other aligner systems, SureSmile® aligners are removable for eating and daily oral hygiene.
A CAD-CAM technology, SureSmile® uses an advanced software system that creates a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy. This means that your final result will be designed to support optimal dental health, a functional bite, and a natural appearance for your smile.
Sure Smile®: What to Expect
Treatment with SureSmile® is a straightforward process that starts with digital dental impressions. Using a handheld device, we will scan your mouth and create digital images to evaluate your needs and create a treatment plan to meet them.
The aligners are changed on a predetermined schedule that we will review with you once they are complete, and the first set is ready to be placed. Periodic visits are needed to monitor your progress and ensure a predictable outcome. With SureSmile®, most patients can complete treatment in a year or less. Longer treatment times may be needed for more complex needs, and we will provide details on treatment times after your initial consultation and impressions.
Once you complete treatment, we recommend using a retainer. Wearing a retainer will keep your teeth in their new position and keep your smile looking its best for the long run.
The Importance of Straightening Crooked Teeth
Straightening crooked teeth is important for both your health and appearance. When teeth are not properly aligned, it can lead to many problems. One of the biggest issues is that crooked teeth can be harder to clean. Food and plaque can get trapped between misaligned teeth, making it difficult to reach those areas with a toothbrush or floss. This can result in cavities, gum disease, and bad breath because bacteria thrive in these hard-to-reach places.
Crooked teeth can also affect how you bite and chew. If your teeth don’t line up properly, your bite may be uneven, which puts extra pressure on certain teeth. Over time, this can cause them to wear down faster than they should. An uneven bite can also lead to jaw pain or even headaches. It might also contribute to problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause discomfort and clicking sounds or make it hard to move your jaw smoothly.
In addition to the health benefits, straightening your teeth can boost your self-esteem. People often feel more confident smiling when their teeth are straight. A good smile can make you feel better in social and professional settings. Confidence can greatly impact how you interact with others and feel about yourself.
Why Choose SureSmile?
SureSmile is one of the best ways to straighten crooked teeth. Particularly compared to traditional solutions like metal braces, SureSmile has many benefits.
Precise and Customized Treatment
SureSmile is a great choice for straightening teeth because it offers precise and customized treatment. Unlike traditional braces or some other aligners, SureSmile uses advanced 3D technology to plan and guide the movement of your teeth. A digital scan of your teeth is taken; your dentist creates a personalized treatment plan. The aligners are designed for you, making them highly accurate in moving your teeth into the right positions.
This customized approach often leads to faster and more predictable results. The advanced technology helps to ensure that your teeth are moving efficiently, reducing the overall time you need to wear aligners compared to other methods. With SureSmile, you know that the treatment is tailored to your needs, which increases the chances of a successful outcome.
Comfortable and Less Noticeable
One of the main reasons people choose SureSmile is that the aligners are comfortable to wear. Made from smooth plastic, they don’t have the sharp edges or wires that traditional braces do. This means less irritation to your gums and cheeks, making it easier to get through the day without discomfort.
SureSmile aligners are also clear and nearly invisible, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them. This especially appeals to adults and teenagers who may feel self-conscious about braces. The clear aligners allow you to go through your daily life without feeling like your orthodontic treatment is the center of attention.
Easy to Use and Maintain
SureSmile aligners are not only comfortable, but they’re also easy to use and maintain. You can remove the aligners when eating or drinking, so you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in them like with traditional braces. This also makes brushing and flossing a lot easier. Since you can remove the aligners, you can clean your teeth normally without navigating braces or wires.
The aligners themselves are also easy to clean. You simply rinse them with water or a gentle cleanser, making them low-maintenance. Plus, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions because they’re removable.
Fewer Office Visits
Another benefit of SureSmile is that it often requires fewer office visits than traditional braces. With braces, you need regular appointments for adjustments and to check your treatment progress. SureSmile aligners, however, are created for each stage of your treatment from the beginning, so you won’t need as many check-ups. This can be a huge time-saver, especially for people with busy schedules.
Effective for Various Dental Issues
SureSmile is effective for treating a variety of dental problems. Whether you have crooked teeth, gaps, or bite issues like overbites or underbites, SureSmile can help. Because the treatment is customized for your specific needs, it can address many types of misalignment. Depending on your dental condition, your dentist or orthodontist will determine if SureSmile is the right option.
Boost in Confidence
Straightening your teeth with SureSmile improves your oral health and boosts your confidence. Many people feel self-conscious about their crooked teeth, which can affect how they smile or interact with others. By choosing SureSmile, you can achieve a straight, beautiful smile that makes you feel more confident in social and professional situations.
Caring for Your SureSmile Aligners
Caring for SureSmile aligners ensures they work effectively and stay in good condition. Following a few simple steps, you can keep your aligners clean, clear, and comfortable throughout your treatment.
First, always remove your SureSmile aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. Food and drinks can stain or damage the aligners. Plus, chewing with them can warp the plastic, making them less effective. After meals, brushing your teeth before putting the aligners back in is a good idea to prevent food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners.
Cleaning your SureSmile aligners daily is essential for keeping them clear and bacteria-free. You can gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and water. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and cause scratches. You can also use a mild soap or a special aligner cleaner to help remove any build-up. Always rinse them with lukewarm water—never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
Another important part of care is properly storing your aligners when not in use. Always keep them in their provided case to avoid losing or damaging them. Leaving aligners out in the open can expose them to bacteria, or they could accidentally be thrown away or stepped on. The case is designed to keep them safe and clean when you’re not wearing them.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is just as important while using SureSmile aligners. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to avoid plaque build-up, which can affect the fit of your aligners and your oral health. Plaque and bacteria can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, leading to issues like cavities or gum disease.
It’s also important to follow the schedule given to you by your dentist or orthodontist. SureSmile aligners are designed to move your teeth gradually, so wearing them as directed is crucial for getting the best results. Usually, this means wearing them for about 20 to 22 hours a day and switching to a new set of aligners according to your treatment plan.
By taking good care of your SureSmile aligners and following your dentist’s instructions, you’ll help ensure a successful treatment and maintain a healthy smile.
SureSmile® FAQs
SureSmile is a popular clear aligner solution to straighten crooked teeth. Read on to learn more about it, with answers to patients’ commonly asked questions.
How long do I have to wear my SureSmile aligners each day?
You must keep the aligners in for 20-22 hours daily. They’re invisible, so it’s unlikely that anyone will notice you’re wearing them. The only time you should take them out is when you’re eating or drinking something other than water and when you’re performing your oral healthcare routine. If you don’t wear them for this time each day, your treatment will take longer.
How often should I clean my aligners?
Clean them with over-the-counter denture cleaner or a specific SureSmile cleaner at least once a day. Bacteria love a warm, wet environment, so it’s important that you clean them properly each day. Without regular cleaning, they can also start smelling and become unpleasant.
Is SureSmile as effective as Invisalign?
SureSmile and Invisalign are both clear aligner systems that effectively straighten your teeth. SureSmile aligners are a bit thinner than Invisalign, so they may be more comfortable for you to wear. Due to their design, they also require fewer attachments for specific conditions than Invisalign aligners.
Can I drink whatever I want with my SureSmile aligners in?
We strongly recommend that you don’t drink anything but water when you have your aligners in. Other things can stain or damage the aligners, making them more visible and giving you trouble with their efficacy. Always use a straw if you must drink something other than water with your aligners.
Can I make my SureSmile treatment go faster?
No, you should never change your aligners before the dentist directs. Just because your teeth no longer feel sore doesn’t mean your mouth has completely adjusted to this new position. You don’t want to rush the process, as you can cause damage to your mouth and smile. If you move too fast with your aligners, your teeth become loose, and you risk them falling out. Follow your treatment directions precisely.
Am I a good candidate for SureSmile?
If you have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, SureSmile is a good option for you. If you have more severe orthodontic problems, you may require orthodontic appliances or metal braces to treat the condition effectively. You also have to be a responsible person with SureSmile. You have to remember to wear them for the scheduled amount of time and not lose them when you take them out for meals.